Extract
Exciting advances continue to be made in numerous areas of orthopaedic
research. One of the most important areas of research continues to be the
discovery of biologic solutions to degenerative joint disease. Emerging
information about the genetic basis of bone and cartilage pathology is being
used to provide insight into the fundamental mechanisms of common conditions
such as osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis. Other active
areas of investigation include stem cells, growth factors, tissue engineering,
biomaterials, and the biomechanical properties of tissues at the nanoscale.
Another common theme is improving the understanding of the basic cellular
mechanisms that control the response of musculoskeletal tissues to mechanical
load. Investigations in these areas have the potential to improve current
treatments and to lead to the development of novel therapies and implants.
This paper reviews several major areas of active investigation.